Andrew Strauss expresses interest in ECB role

Andrew Strauss

London, April 13 (IANS)

Former captain Andrew Strauss on Monday expressed interest in succeeding Paul Downton as the director of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Strauss admitted he found the glamour of the job undeniable but suggested he would require more information before seriously considering it. The ECB sacked Downton last week after just over a year in the job.

“It is hard to create any sort of dialogue that English cricket is in a better place today than when Downton started. The ECB seems to be attempting to bring his replacement closer to the team with more influence over the players and thus more accountability for their performances,” Strauss was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“To anyone who is passionate about cricket, the allure of such a job is undeniable. I am certainly interested in any role that might help English cricket move forward.”

While England won a Test series against India during Downton's time, they were also humbled at the World Cup and the shambolic way in which star batsman Kevin Pietersen was sacked, dogged Downton throughout his time at the ECB.

Strauss was tipped for the role at the time of Downton's appointment but felt it was too soon to move into cricket administration. But now he has emerged among a trio of candidates – Michael Vaughan and Alec Stewart are the others – to replace Downton in a slightly re-branded role.

Strauss expressed sympathy for Downton, stating that he "did not have the time to implement a long-term strategy for England to win the World Cup" but accepted that England had made little progress over the past year.